For a third year running Craig and I are in the Bowfell class of the Saunders. This year it takes us to the North West fells, starting close to Ennerdale.
Conditions are near perfect and we head up towards Crag Fell and Whoap for our first control. It's then towards Haycock and a contour down and around Steeple before descending into the hot Ennerdale valley. After a km or two, we are back to climbing, this time to a control between Scarth Gap and High Pike. It's then the brutal climb up High Pike before dropping to Bleaberry Tarn and a control on Dodd.
Still a way to go, we traverse Starling Dodd and after dropping down and then climbing back out we drop to the boggy area south west of Mellbreak and a control on the north ridge of Hen Comb. It's short a short, fast descent to the overnight camp, close to the Kirkstile Inn.
Unfortunately the forecast drizzle arrives which makes for an unpleasant few hours at camp; however, spirits are lifted by our being 7th.
Day 2 takes us along the edge of Crummock Water before a brutal climb to the summit of Mellbreak. It's then a long way out west and then a lot of to'ing and fro'ing before a sting in the tail last climb and rapid descent to the finish (we are the quickest Bowfell runners on the penultimate leg). We are 9th on day 2 but retail our 7th overall; I'm pleased with that, a cracking weekend, thanks Craig.
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